CM Siddaramaiah to Approach Karnataka HC Today, Questions Governor's Approval for Muda Scam Investigation

On Monday, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to challenge Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot's approval of a probe into the Muda scam in the Karnataka High Court. He spent a significant portion of Sunday consulting with his legal team.

Congress will also petition the High Court to overturn the governor's order. Senior advocate and Congress functionary Kapil Sibal will represent Siddaramaiah, while Abhishek Manu Singhvi, chairman of the AICC legal wing, will represent his party. Congress MLA and CM's legal adviser, AS Ponnanna, stated that the legal team had prepared a petition challenging the sanction, claiming that the governor approved it without any probe agency report establishing a prima facie case. After much deliberation, the team decided to file the petition in the HC rather than the Supreme Court.

The move makes it clear that the governor's sanction is politically motivated. In contrast, applications for sanctions against former ministers Shashikala Jolle, Murugesh Nirani, and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy remain pending. We have a strong case against the sanction, and we hope it will be overturned," Ponnanna stated.

Meanwhile, the special court for people's representatives has scheduled a hearing on Tuesday to decide whether a petition filed by social activist Snehamayi Krishna against Siddaramaiah is admissible. TJ Abraham has filed another petition, and arguments are scheduled for Wednesday. Officials in the chief minister's office stated that legal action would be taken in response to these petitions based on the outcome of the special court. Both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar will travel to New Delhi on Wednesday to update the high command on the latest developments in the case.

"The BJP has devised a plan to destabilise our government by misusing the governor's office. The Centre may throw its full weight behind this, but we will stand firm with the Constitution on our side," said IT-BT Minister Priyank Kharge. On Monday, a massive protest will take place in Bengaluru's Freedom Park.